Re: Sorry Terry....

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Posted by MarkW on March 29, 2001 at 15:44:48:

In Reply to: Mark, thanks for the notes about Klaus' work, but I think you missed.....> posted by Terry on March 28, 2001 at 19:12:49:

:..misread the main body as following on from the picture, instead of the 'opening comment'.

:Regards Mark

: ...the caption under the picture. It was labeled as a Chinese twin-spot.

: Actually, as far as Schulz' work goes, I believe most of his species accounts of Elaphe, were printed in 1988 in the "Snake Keeper". His monograph was copywrighted in 1996, so it's been five years since that amazing work was published. Yes, it was a great book, but lots of people have been working with Asian Elaphe since then, and new strides have been made here too. Maybe you should drop in more often and get the latest info on the Ratsnake Forum. Later.

: TC

: : : (PIC:) A typical Chinese twin-spotted ratsnake...sometimes referred to as Chinese Corn or Chinese Leopard Snake

: :
: : :
: : : ...species of small Asian ratsnakes. Actually it usually refers to Elaphe rufodorsata, a common import, which is sometimes called, Chinese garter, too. This species is questionable whether it is really even a ratsnake. They are rarely captive raised and wild caught specimens are usually loaded with parasites. They are very smallish and are difficult to get off of aquatic prey and onto mice.

: : : Elaphe bimaculata, the Chinese twin-spotted ratsnake, also comes in under the name "Chinese Corn" sometimes, and is a very ratsnake-like species, hardy and adaptable, and very suitable as a pet. They are mouse eaters, and easy to keep. They were the original "Chinese Corn", because they are most like corns in looks. They were also called Chinese Coin Snakes at one time when less well known. They have been bred in captivity for many years now and there are quite a few color variations, including an albino form. Once again, w/c is not preferrable due to the parasites, etc.

: : : All that said, I would mention also the Chinese Dion's Ratsnake, Elaphe dione, which can look very much like E. bimaculata also, and which is the nicest handling of all the small ratsnakes. They are the least likely to be seen in a w/c shipment, but plenty are being produced in captivity. Captive ratsnakes are the way to go for beginners in this area. Let the folks who are trying to start new strains fool with the really difficult wild caughts.

: : : (PS:) E-mail me if you need any more info, Ron. Nice to see you on the forum. Here's a link to my pics at photopoint.

: : : TC/Ratsnake Haven

: : : I agree with all that you have said however you imply that the picture is Elaphe rufodorsata, the picture appears to be a typical "twin spot" bimaculata. E. rufodorsata as you say is much more "garter" like in habits, its eye placement (top of head)and general non rat snake look give it away. Klaus Dieter Shultz did an excellent series of articles on Asian Elaphe. These were reprinted in English in the now deceased UK mag. Snake Keeper Magazine. (His book is not bad either!!)

: : :Regards Mark.

Follow Ups:

No problem, Mark.....> Terry 03/29/01 (1)
- Re: No problem, Mark.....> MarkW 03/30/01 (0)

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: :..misread the main body as following on from the picture, instead of the 'opening comment'. : :Regards Mark : : : ...the caption under the picture. It was labeled as a Chinese twin-spot. : : Actually, as far as Schulz' work goes, I believe most of his species accounts of Elaphe, were printed in 1988 in the "Snake Keeper". His monograph was copywrighted in 1996, so it's been five years since that amazing work was published. Yes, it was a great book, but lots of people have been working with Asian Elaphe since then, and new strides have been made here too. Maybe you should drop in more often and get the latest info on the Ratsnake Forum. Later. : : TC : : : : : (PIC:) A typical Chinese twin-spotted ratsnake...sometimes referred to as Chinese Corn or Chinese Leopard Snake : : : : : : : : : : : ...species of small Asian ratsnakes. Actually it usually refers to Elaphe rufodorsata, a common import, which is sometimes called, Chinese garter, too. This species is questionable whether it is really even a ratsnake. They are rarely captive raised and wild caught specimens are usually loaded with parasites. They are very smallish and are difficult to get off of aquatic prey and onto mice. : : : : Elaphe bimaculata, the Chinese twin-spotted ratsnake, also comes in under the name "Chinese Corn" sometimes, and is a very ratsnake-like species, hardy and adaptable, and very suitable as a pet. They are mouse eaters, and easy to keep. They were the original "Chinese Corn", because they are most like corns in looks. They were also called Chinese Coin Snakes at one time when less well known. They have been bred in captivity for many years now and there are quite a few color variations, including an albino form. Once again, w/c is not preferrable due to the parasites, etc. : : : : All that said, I would mention also the Chinese Dion's Ratsnake, Elaphe dione, which can look very much like E. bimaculata also, and which is the nicest handling of all the small ratsnakes. They are the least likely to be seen in a w/c shipment, but plenty are being produced in captivity. Captive ratsnakes are the way to go for beginners in this area. Let the folks who are trying to start new strains fool with the really difficult wild caughts. : : : : (PS:) E-mail me if you need any more info, Ron. Nice to see you on the forum. Here's a link to my pics at photopoint. : : : : TC/Ratsnake Haven : : : : I agree with all that you have said however you imply that the picture is Elaphe rufodorsata, the picture appears to be a typical "twin spot" bimaculata. E. rufodorsata as you say is much more "garter" like in habits, its eye placement (top of head)and general non rat snake look give it away. Klaus Dieter Shultz did an excellent series of articles on Asian Elaphe. These were reprinted in English in the now deceased UK mag. Snake Keeper Magazine. (His book is not bad either!!) : : : :Regards Mark.

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